Your suggestion to be a good listener and hear the “hook” is very sound indeed but of course must be done naturally and sincerely with true interest. Don’t you hate it when some people continually use your name in such a way that it sounds like they fear that if they don’t use it every third word they’ll forget it?

Or when people get the “hook” about you but use it so insincerely it shows their utter lack of interest in you personally? For instance, a networker finds out you have a child who is really into soccer. Every time the networker calls you, he refers to your kid who loves soccer, except for the fact that you told him five years ago that your kid now plays tennis. So it’s an insincere hook; he’s written it down or committed it to memory but hasn’t cared enough to note that things have changed and says it to you every single time so you can have the same conversation every single time! That does not come under the banner of making a personal connection and doesn’t move the relationship much!

Love your posts as always Miriam!

What great ideas! I love the Google alert for new contacts. Everyone should have one set up for themselves, but never thought about it for people you want to “follow” outside social networking sites. Brilliant info!
Dawn Bugni´s last blog ..Could that sound really be opportunity? During the Holidays?

Your point about sending a hand-written card during the holidays is a good one. The holidays give you a great opportunity to make everything a little bit more personal. Someone who sends a hand-written note to a colleague or networking contact is sure to be remembered.

Thank you for not only the reminder of the importance of follow-up, but guidance on the ‘hows’ and the etiquette of impactful and courteous follow-up.

Another great post – here’s ‘cheers’ to many more joint-collaborations, Miriam!

Happy Holiday!

Jacqui

Thanks again for all your work with the Career Collective,
Laurie